European Honda Civic Concept - Euro Sexy

Honda unveils stylish new Civic for Old World enthusiasts.

Another auto show, another supersonic Civic concept. Honda chose the Geneva Auto Show to debut its scene-stealing European Civic Concept. More metrosexual than its USDM Civic Si Concept released in Chicago earlier this year, the Euro Civic sits lower and wider than the current Honda hatch. Look closely and you'll notice it's a five-door, which like Moby, is still big in Europe.

The Euro Civic cut a sharp profile on the Geneva show floor. It features one of the sportiest looks for a Civic yet, with triangle driving lights, a rear-deck spoiler and a silver Honda badge sitting on a Cylon headlight band. The bright orange paint doesn't hurt, either.

"With all of these changes, the all-new Civic will shift toward the premium end of the class, while providing a true fun-to-drive spirit," said Honda Motor Company president, Takeo Fukui. "We plan to set a new benchmark in the C-segment based on the quality and performance of the new car. Regarding production, we have long produced the Civic for European markets at Honda's U.K. plant. Now, beginning with this all-new Civic, we are advancing this commitment by introducing diesel engine assembly in Swindon."

The Civic i-CTDi diesel-equipped chariot is spec'd at 138 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Honda didn't divulge specs on the gasoline variants, but we'd expect one model to at least sit near the 200 hp of the new Si. Every model in the Civic lineup gets the Vehicle Stability Assist system and side curtain airbags, among other safety features.

Nearly one-fifth of the 500,000 Civics sold worldwide are purchased in Europe (84,000). Honda expects the Euro Civic to hit showrooms in early 2006 in two-, three- and five-door models.

Most concept car drives take place in the smooth safety of a secluded proving ground or a closed racetrack but we drive the hand-finished Audi E-Tron GT concept on the cratered streets of downtown L.A.

Father and son duo Philip and Jesse Robles are the owners of this Honda Civic and Nissan 240SX. And while the purposes of their cars might be different it is their passion for cars that has held the together and created a lifetime of memories.